New York Governor Kathy Hochul ignited controversy with her recent comments on attendees at former President Donald Trump’s rally in the Bronx. Speaking on CNN’s “The Lead,” Hochul derided the diverse gathering of working-class Americans who turned out to hear Trump speak, labeling them as “clowns.”
CNN host Jake Tapper began by stating: “Donald Trump, former President Trump, he’s holding an event shortly in the Bronx in an effort to attract voters of color, Latinos and African Americans — historically a loyal voting block for Democrats, especially African Americans.”
In response to Tapper’s inquiry about Trump’s efforts to appeal to voters of color, Hochul adopted a dismissive tone, suggesting that Trump’s rally was nothing more than a spectacle and attacked the New Yorkers who showed up. “The truth is this is a sport, this is politics of margins. What more do Democrats need to do to solidify and mobilize their base?” Tapper asked.
Hochul’s response displayed pure disdain for those who dare to disagree with her political party, as she remarked, “Well, I’ll tell you what won’t make a difference at all Jake and that is for Donald Trump to be the ringleader and invite all his clowns to a place like the Bronx. New York will never, ever support Donald Trump for president. We know him better than anyone and that means we understand what he’s all about is just for himself. So this state will go solidly behind Joe Biden for president as it has in the past.”
New York Governor Hochul calls Trump supporters " clowns " and says New York will never support Donald Trump.
Let's bookmark this and see that Hochul eats her words come November !! pic.twitter.com/dGKmoTx9RP
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸Josh Dunlap🇺🇲🇺🇲 ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) May 24, 2024
Hochul’s response, characterized by her use of the term “clowns,” drew criticism for its disrespectful portrayal of citizens exercising their democratic right to engage in political discourse.
Long-time Bronx resident, Lou Valentino, just ROASTED Kathy Hochul after attending the Trump Bronx rally:
“There were a lot of Bronx residents out there to see Trump and she called us clowns. Another L. Another Loss. Last time she said ‘black kids don’t know what a computer… pic.twitter.com/3GJbGg7693
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 24, 2024
Despite Trump’s relatively modest support in New York, with only 16% of the vote in the Bronx and 37.8% statewide in 2020, Hochul’s disparaging remarks underscore the deepening political divide.
Meanwhile, recent polling data indicates a shifting electoral landscape, with Trump making gains in key battleground states. A Cook Political Report survey released Thursday highlighted Trump’s lead over Biden in critical states, particularly on economic issues.
As political tensions escalate in anticipation of the next election cycle, Hochul’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges of fostering constructive dialogue and understanding in a polarized political environment.
